How to Respond to a Seizure

Enough of my blathering about my own head--here's what you can do in response to a seizure.

The Basics:

• Do Something. You can actually help--don't stand their like a deer in the headlights. At least ask if you can help.
  
• The Signs: Before a seizure, its likely that a person will mentally check-out. They'll seem off as though they were suddenly drunk. For example: I get a sense of deja vu that focuses on smell and will generally ask for something with a strong scent (pepper is a favorite).
  
• Your Response: Stay Calm, reassure, look for a medical alert bracelet and ask "Do you have seizures?"
• Relocate: Have the person sit down on the ground. The goal here is to avoid a fall or let them wander into danger (like traffic).
• Assume the Position: If they go into a Tonic Clonic seizure (shaking & twitching) do these three things:
1. Roll on Side
2. Pad & Protect Head
3. Time the seizure. Greater than 5 minutes= Call 911.
4. DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THEIR MOUTH. They won't bite off their tongue. Jaws atwitchin' are not that strong.
5. Remind them to breath if they are turning a bit blue.
   

• Be a Nice Person: Reassure them when they come out of it. They'll probably be really sleepy so get them to a napatorium or a cab so they can get home safely. If possible write down anything you observed before and after the seizure. It really helps with reconstructing time and generally helps them get back to the exciting world of day-to-day living.
  

Now go watch TV on the internets to learn more. It totally counts as professional development on your timesheet.

A comprehensive video from the UK that outlines how to respond to a complex partial seizure (the check-out) and a grand mal seizure (twitching):

(About 7 minutes)

Shorter video on complex partial seizures.
Shorter video on grand mal seizures (aka general tonic clonic).